How to Get a Passport for the First Time
One of the first rites of passage for any traveler is to obtain a passport. And while some people have traveled abroad since childhood, many others have never had a passport and do not know how to start the process. This information is for them. (Note: The procedures below apply to obtaining a passport under normal circumstances; as with everything else, the pandemic continues to throw once-typical timelines into confusion and revised timelines have been specified.)
What documents and information are required to obtain a passport
- Completed Application (DS-11). You can complete the application online or print this pdf copy to write in your responses.
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or consular overseas birth report if born outside the United States). Get a photocopy of the front and back of proof of your citizenship (if there is anything written on the back). The photocopy should be on standard 8.5×11 ”paper, in black and white and clearly visible. If you do not have a birth certificate, you need to read these rules for secondary forms of identification.
- Photo ID: State ID, Driver’s License, Military Photo ID, Employee ID, Expired License, Medicare / Health Insurance Card, or Green Card. You will need a copy of this document to include in your application. You must provide one form of primary identification. If you are unable to present one of the primary forms of ID, you can also use 2 forms of secondary identification, including marriage certificate, social security card, vehicle registration, employer ID card, student ID, and / or yearbook photo.
- Passport photo. The photograph must have been taken within the last six months, in full color, on a clean white background. In addition, it should have a full view of the front of your face and measure 2×2 inches. You cannot wear glasses in the photo and you can smile if it is not excessive and does not close your eyes.
Where to apply for a passport
When applying for a passport, you have several options. While some were closed during the pandemic, most government services have now fully reopened across the country.
- Passport agencies (here is a list )
- County Clerk’s Office
- Private agencies. These agencies provide their own pricing lists for the services they provide, but they can help you speed up the process if you need to travel sooner rather than later.
How much does it cost to get a passport?
A passport book for a traveler 16 and older costs $ 145, including registration fee ($ 110) and admission fee ($ 35).
When applying to the passport agency, you can pay by credit card, debit card, checks (personal, cash, certified, travel), money order, or exact amount of cash (no changes will be issued). You can also use a prepaid card with the Visa or Mastercard logo. When applying by mail, you can pay by check (again: personal, cash, certified, travel).
The fees for additional services such as forwarding are higher. For example, there is a $ 60 add-on for Expedited Passport Services. A complete list of fees can be found here .
How long does it take to get a passport?
Usually passports will be delivered by mail (if you have mailed your application) within 6-8 weeks. However, as the country emerges from the pandemic, the State Department says the current wait time is approaching 18 weeks. If you choose the expedited service, you used to expect your passport to be ready in 2-3 weeks, but now it’s closer to 12.
There is also the option of getting emergency expedited service, which at some point made service possible on the same day or 1-2 days. Proof of travel (air ticket confirmation, accommodation booking and / or itinerary) is required to apply for this exemption. If you need your passport immediately, apply directly to the passport agency that offers these fast processing times. AZCentral offers the following tips for those seeking emergency assistance:
First, you need to make an appointment. You cannot login. And appointments are mostly reserved for cases involving life or death emergencies. If this applies to your situation, call the office at 877-487-2778 to make an appointment.
There are very few appointments for non-essential travel that happen within 72 hours and they fill up quickly. If this is your situation, you can try making an appointment online at https://passportappointment.travel.state.gov .
This article was originally published in May 2020 and was updated on July 9, 2021 to reflect revised processing times during the pandemic, as well as update the article to reflect the current Lifehacker style.